Fort Phil Kearny and the Battle of the Hundred Slain: A Tragic Chapter in American History

Fort Phil Kearny, established in 1866 in present-day Wyoming, holds a significant place in American frontier history. It witnessed one of the most catastrophic battles between the United States Army and Native American tribes, known as the Battle of the Hundred Slain. This article delves into the story of Fort Phil Kearny and the fateful events that unfolded there, shedding light on a complex and tragic chapter in American westward expansion.

The Fetterman Massacre: Fort Phil Kearny and the Battle of the Hundred Slain

by Dee Brown

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The Establishment of Fort Phil Kearny

In the wake of the Bozeman Trail Treaty of 1866, which guaranteed safe passage for miners and settlers through Native American hunting grounds, the U.S. government established Fort Phil Kearny along the Powder River. The fort's purpose was to protect travelers and ensure the construction of military roads. However, its location infringed upon the traditional territory of the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes.

The Native American tribes viewed the fort as an unwelcome intrusion and a threat to their way of life. Tensions escalated as the settlers and troops encroached on their land and hunted bison, a vital source of sustenance.

The Fetterman Massacre

On December 21, 1866, a group of 80 soldiers from Fort Phil Kearny, led by Captain William Fetterman, were lured into an ambush by a large force of Native American warriors led by Red Cloud. The soldiers were outnumbered and outmaneuvered, and all but one were killed in what became known as the Fetterman Massacre.

The massacre shocked the nation and cast a dark shadow over Fort Phil Kearny. It exposed the dangers of westward expansion and the fragility of the relationship between the United States and Native American tribes.

The Battle of the Hundred Slain

In the aftermath of the Fetterman Massacre, the U.S. Army launched a punitive expedition against the Native American warriors. On August 11, 1867, a force of over 1,000 soldiers, led by General William Fetterman's brother, Colonel Samuel Fetterman, engaged in a fierce battle with a large group of Native Americans led by Red Cloud.

The battle lasted for several hours, and both sides suffered heavy casualties. The U.S. Army lost 81 soldiers, while the Native Americans lost an estimated 100 or more warriors.

The Battle of the Hundred Slain was a crushing defeat for the U.S. Army. It demonstrated the strength and determination of the Native American tribes and forced the government to reconsider its westward expansion plans.

The Abandonment of Fort Phil Kearny

After the Battle of the Hundred Slain, Fort Phil Kearny was abandoned in 1868 as part of a peace agreement with the Native American tribes. The fort's buildings were burned, and the land was returned to the tribes.

Today, Fort Phil Kearny is a National Historic Landmark and is managed by the National Park Service. It serves as a reminder of the tragic events that transpired there and the complex history of westward expansion in the United States.

Fort Phil Kearny and the Battle of the Hundred Slain stand as a poignant reminder of the clash between westward expansion and Native American rights. The events that unfolded there shaped the course of American history and continue to resonate with the legacy of the American frontier.

By understanding the story of Fort Phil Kearny, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of American westward expansion and the sacrifices made by both the United States and Native American peoples.

Additional Resources

• Fort Phil Kearny: Death on the Bozeman Trail
• The Battle of the Hundred Slain
• The Battle of the Hundred Slain: Indians Wipe Out U.S. Cavalry

The Fetterman Massacre: Fort Phil Kearny and the Battle of the Hundred Slain

by Dee Brown

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7557 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	244 pages

FREE